Kentucky Next Generation Farmer Program (NextGen)

A county-administered KADF cost-share program for Kentucky producers aged 18 to 40 with at least three years in an agricultural operation. It uses the same 11 incentive areas as CAIP, such as livestock genetics, fencing and water, farm infrastructure and on-farm energy. Awards are up to $5,000 a year with a $25,000 lifetime limit. Applicants need a 3-year business plan, an educational component and a mentor.

• 'Applicant shall be between the ages of 18 and 40.'

• At least three years in an agricultural operation as an owner, tenant or employee, proven with Schedule F returns or employer letters.

• Kentucky resident with an SSN and Farm Serial Number. Tenants need 5 years of landowner access permission. Employees need the landowner's written FSN permission, and seeding and capital projects are not eligible for employees.

• 3-year business plan, at least one educational component, and a mentor (UK Extension, a commodity group facilitator or another professional) who is not immediate family.

• One applicant per household. Applicants may take part in only one of CAIP, NextGen or YAIP in a program year.

Reimbursement after completion, following the 2026 CAIP Producer Guidelines & Responsibilities. Up to $5,000 per program year, $25,000 lifetime.

Published amounts: 'Eligible producers may receive up to $5,000 per program year.' '$25,000 lifetime limit.' 'Funding amount is determined by the county.' It uses the same 11 CAIP incentive areas and their cost-share percentages.

Apply through your county's NextGen administrative entity using the Producer Application it provides (KOAP posts only a sample). Administrators apply through the County Agricultural Development Council. County administrator contacts: CAIP/YAIP administrator map (https://uky-edu.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=f4a702497bde41abb378410c8f191d4c).

Deadline text on the page: Producer sign-up windows are set by each county administrator. KADB will not approve county program applications in December 2026; administrator applications received after the Oct 30 deadline go to January 2027 under 2027 guidelines. Program sunset: December 31, 2026.